OCHS Receives $150,000 Grant From PetSmart Charities
The Oktibbeha County Humane Society (OCHS) has received a $150,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to support the OCHS/Fido Fixers Spay and Neuter Clinic, OCHS’s low-cost spay and neuter program for pet owners with financial obligations that limit their ability to afford the surgery.
Since May of 2018, OCHS/Fido Fixers has performed more than 1,600 spay or neuter surgeries. “This results in fewer unwanted litters and fewer stray animals in our community,” OCHS Board Member and Program Coordinator Michele Anderson explained. “Spaying and neutering pets is the most successful method of reducing euthanasia in our area shelters.”
In addition to spay and neuter surgeries, the OCHS/Fido Fixers program also offers rabies vaccinations and other necessary medical interventions for owned pets to ensure the health and safety of animals in our community.
“We are grateful to PetSmart Charities for their support of this program. This grant allows us to significantly off-set the cost of surgery and pass this savings on to pet owners who would otherwise be unable to afford these medical services for their pets,” said Martha Thomas, OCHS Director of Development and Community Relations.
“By making veterinary services more affordable and accessible, OCHS is taking a proactive approach to reduce pet homelessness in the Starkville community, further positioning itself as a valuable resource for local pets and pet parents in need,” said Deborah Turcott, acting president of PetSmart Charities. “We are proud to partner with this passionate organization that is making a significant impact in Mississippi.”
OCHS works with local veterinarians to provide surgeries several days a week on its mobile unit. The unit is currently located in Oktibbeha County, but provides services to pet owners throughout North Central Mississippi. OCHS also plans to travel to other communities in the area to provide easier access. Community organizations willing to host this program should e-mail neuter@ochsms.org.
Community members interested in signing up to have their pet(s) spayed or neutered can visit https://www.ochsms.org/spay-neuter/ for more information or call or text the OCHS Spay/Neuter Hotline at 662-368-8343.